Novelty Furniture and Novelty Furniture Coverings Featuring Decorative Appendages

ABSTRACT

A novelty furniture covering is provided for use with children&#39;s furniture. The device comprises a covering having an elongated body section that is adapted to conform to a given style of furniture. Attached to the body section is a plurality of enclosed portions having a stuffing material interior and an exterior shape, the portions extending from the body section to resemble appendage items of an animal, cartoon, or mystical creature. The body section surrounds a furniture items in a similar fashion as a standard chair or sofa covering, the covering having an elongated aperture to expand and secure around the furniture. The aperture is secured closed using a zip fastener line or an elastic band in the aperture perimeter to secure the covering and the aperture perimeter to the furniture item during use. Alternatively a form-fitting cover is provided for forming over a novelty furniture item having appendages extending therefrom.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/664,569 filed on Jun. 26, 2012, entitled “Bug's and Belle's Bodacious Bags.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to furniture items and decorative covers therefor. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a new and novel furniture covering that incorporates animal appendages that transform a beanbag chair or upright chair into a fantasy or animal creature for child enjoyment.

Chairs and furniture items are available for children and generally relate to decorated chairs and loveseat items having an outer surface design and a structure that is suited for the smaller stature of a toddler. These furniture items are well suited for providing a playful chair for a child that is adapted for use in a child's play area or in other common areas, where the child can rest and play while enjoying the outer surface design of the item.

Children's furniture items, however, lack a sense of imagination and are mostly functional in nature. They may provide a structure that is comfortable and easily cleaned, but the design of the furniture is largely plain in its shape and may only incorporate an outer surface design to make it more suited for a child. It is well understood that children enjoy stuffed animals and other toys, where a child can play with the stuffed animal for periods of time while using their imagination. These stuffed animals include actual animal representations, such as giraffes and monkeys, and may also include imaginative creatures such as unicorns and dragons.

The present invention relates to a new child furniture covering or furniture item that incorporates stuffed appendages that transform a furniture item from a standard shape into one that resembles an imaginative or realistic animal shape. The device comprises a furniture outer covering that surrounds the furniture item outer contours and provides stuffed regions and an outer design that makes the furniture item decorative as well as comfortable. The outer covering appendages may include a decorative doll head, a tail, feet, and any other stuffed areas that transform the furniture into a doll. Other embodiments include favorite cartoon characters and the like, where the shape of the furniture covering is not limited to animals.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to furniture items, covers, and children-related furniture. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Devices in the prior art relate mostly to novelty chairs and children's chairs having an animal shape and a construction that is suited for supporting the outer shape thereof. These devices have specific designs or configurations that improve the utility of existing children's seats and sofas. However, no devices in the prior art relate to a furniture outer covering that includes stuffed appendages and design features that are adapted to change the outer appearance of an existing beanbag or upright chair into a stuffed animal or playful creature.

One device that relates to a stuffed animal chair is U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,599 to Roberts, which discloses an infant and child chair that includes a body having the shape of a stuffed animal. The device comprises an upright chair having a body frame for supporting bendable appendages, legs, and an upper stuffed head that can act as a pillow. The seat of the chair is in the lap of the stuffed animal, while its interior stuffing is that of foam material to ensure “memory” of the desired appendage shape remains that of a “hugging” shape over extended use. Within the chair a storage area may be provided.

While providing a stuffed animal chair that “hugs” a child, the Roberts device is a specifically designed chair having an outer design and shape that is adapted to remain unchanged. The present invention, by contrast, is a bean bag or upright chair cover that includes appendages and a head that transform the chair into a creature that is appealing to children (dinosaur, unicorn, etc.). The device is a zippered cover that conforms to the chair and includes sewn pockets of stuffing that form an external shape extending from the chair. After application of the cover, the chair resembles a creature of a given type while covering the underlying chair and making the same comfortable for sitting upon.

Overall, it is submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing covers for children's furniture. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of children's furniture items now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new furniture item and furniture covering that can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when providing a child with a novelty chair or repurposing an existing chair with a cover that offers protection and an external design resembling an animal, character, or imaginary creature.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved children's furniture cover that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a children's furniture cover that is adapted to cover a beanbag chair, upright chair, or loveseat using a covering that conforms to the outer surface of the furniture item while supporting external appendages for creation of an outer, decorative shape.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a children's furniture cover that transforms a child's furniture item into a large stuffed animal or creature, wherein the device operates as a functional chair and a playful addition to a child's play area.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a children's furniture cover that includes an elongated opening to accept the furniture item therethrough and to spread the covering over the furniture item, whereafter the opening can secured closed by way of a zip clasp closure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a children's furniture cover that is removable and washable for continued clean use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a children's furniture item that comprises appendage members extending therefrom, wherein the furniture item resembles an animal, character, or mystical creature.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a children's furniture item constructed in a fashion that permits relative economy that is commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of the furniture covering deployed on a beanbag chair furniture item, wherein the covering resembles a dinosaur creature.

FIG. 2 shows an underside view of the furniture covering deployed on a beanbag chair furniture item, wherein the zip fastener line of connection is visualized.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section view highlighting the open body section interior and the stuffed appendage regions of the covering.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the dinosaur-shaped furniture covering in use with a beanbag chair.

FIG. 5 shows a view of the unicorn-shaped furniture covering in use with a beanbag chair.

FIG. 6 shows a view of the dinosaur-shaped furniture covering in use with an upright foam chair.

FIG. 7 shows a cross section view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention, wherein the furniture item includes appendages covered by an outer covering.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the furniture covering. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for shrouding a child's furniture item for protection and for transforming the furniture item into the shape of a stuffed animal creature or cartoon character. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a view of the furniture covering of the present invention in a working state applied to a beanbag chair 50 furniture item. The covering comprises a body section 11 that comprises a thin-walled covering material that is adapted to shroud a furniture item and snugly apply thereover. The walls 10 of the body covering conform to a given style of furniture, such as a round body structure for a beanbag chair or alternate shapes for upright chairs or sofa items. The covering functions much like a traditional protective covering that offers a shroud for the outer surface of the furniture item while also adding comfort, however the present invention improves upon this structure by adding an exterior design and exterior projections that transform the furniture item into a fun character or creature for child enjoyment.

The covering comprises an elongated body section 11 having a thin-walled structure, a given shape, and an open interior 16 volume to accept a furniture item therein. As shown in FIG. 1, a beanbag 50 furniture item is secured within the interior of the covering, wherein the covering conforms to the outer profile of the beanbag chair 50 and moves therewith during changes in geometry as a child sits on the chair. Attached to the body section 11 is at least one external appendage 12 that resembles a creature's head, tail, feet, or other external feature. The appendages 12 comprise enclosed and stuffed sections having the shape of the given creature's appendage item and provide an exterior shape to the overall furniture item to transform it from a standard article of furniture to one that resembles an enlarged stuffed animal.

Each of the appendages 12 comprises an interior volume of stuffing material 14 that maintains the appendage 12 shape. The appendages are closed volumes that are sewn closed along their line of connection 13 with the covering body section 11, whereby access into the appendage 12 is restricted so as to maintain the stuffing contents therein and thus the shape of the appendage 12 item. The exterior surface of the covering body section 11 and appendages 12 may comprise different colors and designs that function well with the overall intended shape of the “stuffed animal” look of the covering. These designs include appendage designs such as details of the creature's face, arms, legs, tail, and other exterior articles.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an underside view of the furniture covering of the present invention in a working state, applied to a beanbag chair article. From this view, the covering opening 20 is shown along the base of the body portion 11. The opening 20 is an aperture in the body section 11 that expands to allow the covering to be formed over the exterior of the furniture item and then secured thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the opening 20 comprises a zip fastener line of connection to secure the opening 20 closed after the body section 11 and appendages 12 have been located around the furniture item. In another embodiment, the opening may comprise a perimeter that includes an elastic material that draws the opening 20 together towards itself when applied around the furniture item and the covering is tensioned. This embodiment is similar to a fitted sheet covering around a mattress, wherein the covering is applied over the furniture and the elastic band opening maintains tension on the covering as the furniture item is used.

A form-fitting covering is important for maintaining the outstretched position of the appendages 12, wherein their connection 13 with the body section 11 is adapted to press against the outer surface of the furniture item to such that the appendages appear cantilevered therefrom. A form-fitting covering that is furniture specific ensures the body portion 11 remains taught and secured closely against the furniture item. This prevents the covering from being pulled away from the furniture item and prevents bunching thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a cross section view of the dinosaur embodiment of the furniture covering. In this view, the internal structure of the covering is visualized, including the open interior 16 of the body section 11, its thin-walled 10 structure, and the appendage connections 13 around the exterior of the body section 11. Each of the appendages 12, being any type of external shape that resembles a feature of an animal, cartoon, mystical creature, or design, comprises an enclosed volume of stuffing material 14. The stuffing material 14 maintains the outer shape of the appendage, while its enclosed design prevents the stuffing material 14 from exiting the appendage 12 and entering the body section interior 16. The appendages 12, like the body section 11, comprise thin-walled 15 structures extending from the furniture time when applied thereto. An embodiment of the appendages includes a solid, foam structure secured to the body section 11, however this construction is less preferred as a unitary foam appendage is more likely to become damaged and not a easily repaired as an enclosed, stuffed appendage.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there are shown two views of the furniture covering device applied to a beanbag chair 50 and in use by a seated child. The covering body section 11 conforms to the beanbag chair 50 exterior as it deforms while in use, while also adding comfortable exterior surface to sit upon and a decorative exterior design that children will enjoy in their play areas or in their rooms. The beanbag 50 rests against the ground, while the foot appendages 12 are positioned thereunder as the head, tail, and other appendages 12 extend outward from the upper and side portions of the covering.

Several embodiments and exterior designs are contemplated for the present invention, wherein the appendages 12 function as decorative extensions from the body section 11 and create the shape of the desired creature or cartoon. Embodiments include different animals, dinosaurs, mythical creatures such as unicorns, popular cartoon characters, and even inanimate shapes and designs that can be displayed in three dimensions by way of the outward-extending appendages 12. Therefore, the appendages 12 are defined as any external shape having an outer surface design, outer surface shape, and an enclosed interior volume filled with stuffing material to maintain the desired external shape of the appendage.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown an embodiment of the covering body section 11 and its ability to be designed for different styles of furniture articles. FIG. 6 shows the covering in use with a child's upright chair 60 or small loveseat, wherein the furniture article includes a sea, arm portions, and a seatback portion. The covering body portion 11 is cut and sewn into a shape that conforms to this furniture article outer surface, while the appendages 12 are supported therefrom and against the outer surface of the furniture item. Just as with the beanbag covering, the chair 60 covering conforms to the shape of the furniture and transforms its outer profile into a colorful and eye-catching shape that is pleasing to children.

Referring finally to FIG. 7, there is shown a view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, wherein a furniture item having a body 60 is provided, wherein at least one of stuffed furniture extension 61 is attached thereto that function as appendages. The extensions 61 create the underlying structure of the furniture item that creates its exterior shape. A form-fitted, exterior covering 11 is provided thereover that conforms to the furniture item 60. Appendages 12 can further be provided on the covering 11, which may include animal scales, horns, and other protrusions that are more readily supported by the covering 11. The extensions, similar to the covering appendages 12, are sewn sections having interior stuffing therein to provide a three dimensional shape.

Overall, the device functions as a novelty cover for a furniture item that changes its outward appearance for fun and for a child's amusement. Many children require a steady source of entertainment to remain occupied. The present invention provides children with an interesting play article while retaining the functional aspects of the furniture article. Parents can purchase different coverings and apply them to furniture articles in play areas and replace them or clean them periodically. In this way, the cover acts as a protective barrier for the furniture article, as well as a decorative and playful cover directed to child enjoyment. The device comprises a conventional furniture covering article that allows an article to be transformed into different-shaped animals. The covering includes appendages that resemble heads and tails of animals or cartoon characters, thereby creating the appearance of an enlarged stuffed doll over the furniture article. Children can sit on the covering for rest and relaxation while reading a book, doing homework, or during imaginative play.

It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A novelty furniture article covering, comprising: a thin-walled covering body section having an open interior volume and an opening along said body section; said opening adapted to accept a furniture article therethrough; said body section adapted to conform to the furniture article exterior shape; at least one external appendage extending from said body section. 2) The device of claim 1, wherein said appendage further comprises: a thin-walled structure having an enclosed volume and an exterior shape; said enclosed volume being filled with stuffing material. 3) The device of claim 1, wherein said appendage further comprises a foam structure having an exterior shape. 4) The device of claim 1, wherein said opening further comprises: an opening perimeter adapted to draw together onto itself; said opening perimeter having an elastic band. 5) The device of claim 1, wherein said opening further comprises an opening perimeter having a zip fastener line of connection. 6) The device of claim 1, wherein said body section and at least one appendage further comprise exterior surfaces having a surface design thereon in agreement with said appendage and body section theme. 7) A novelty furniture article, comprising: a furniture body; at least one of stuffed furniture extension attached to said furniture body; said stuffed furniture extension further comprising a thin-walled structure having an enclosed volume and an exterior shape; said enclosed volume being filled with stuffing material. 8) The device of claim 7, wherein said stuff material further comprises a foam structure having an exterior shape. 